With sales up and donations down, Toronto-area Salvation Army stores can't keep their bins full

Salvation Army thrift stores in the Greater Toronto Area are looking emptier than usual, and while sales are up, the charity says a lack of donations has them worried about what could happen next.

Ted Troughton, managing director of The Salvation Army, says sales have increased 19 per cent over the last year at Toronto-area stores. But the near-empty shelves and donation bins are prompting concern. 

"Our business runs on donations," said district manager Matthew Brown. "When they start drying up, so too do the guests that want to shop with us…They're coming to see what's new"

Staff say they've seen an increase in people who are in tougher financial situations lately, but also newer thrifters coming for a host of reasons — from fashionistas to the eco-conscious. While it's unclear exactly how much of a drop in donations the organization is facing, staff say they can't serve any of their customers to the level they'd like without more.

Brown says he has seen men looking through sparse clothing racks for a coat or an outfit for a job interview, and leave  minutes later because there's nothing for them. 

That's a concern for The Salvation Army, which has a mission of lifting people up, he says.

"A lot of people that are in that situation might not have the money to walk into a standard department store and just drop $100 on something," said Brown. "They'd much rather come here where they can buy an entire outfit for a job interview for $20."

Anna Cavalheiro says for her, thrifting is primarily about the thrill of the hunt. Cavalherio is part of a large contingent shopping at charity stores for years.

"Sometimes I go, 'Oh wow,' and nearly jump out of my skin when I find something great," she said. "That's what keeps me coming back."

Catherine Holliday, a senior, said the prices are a big draw for her.

"Once you retire you've got to live on less," she said. 

As a regular Holliday has been watching what's happening lately at her local store.

"There are more people shopping here," she said "Just like there's more people going to the food bank."

Tiffany Cutting, 27, said  she likes having the option to thrift items for only a few dollars, like the shoes she picked up for $5 a few weeks ago.